Originally Posted by
CliftonGK1
I consider 32 miles a short ride, but a long r/t commute. 16 miles, pre-dawn, in 36 degree rain, with 1000' of climbing is a long slog. After an 8 hour shift, the ride home (in the winter) when it's already dusk by the time I leave, and dark by the time I get home just makes it feel all the longer.
I totally agree.
I do the absolute functional minimum to get to and from work during the dark, cold months, so the 16 mile round trip is plenty long enough.
Conversely, I would extend my morning rides during the Summer 1-2 days a week by leaving an hour or so earlier and adding in a scenic side trip up a valley with a 2,000' elevation gain before heading to work. During that time, my 16 mile round trip commute wasn't long enough for me, and I loved riding longer.